What concept is essential for a reader to comprehend text based on the meanings of most words?

The correct answer is grounded in the understanding that while reading involves several interconnected skills, comprehension is the ultimate goal and is directly linked to a reader's ability to make sense of a text. Comprehension refers to the ability to understand, interpret, and gain meaning from written material. It incorporates various elements, including the reader's background knowledge, the ability to draw inferences, and, importantly, the understanding of word meanings within context.

Readers who have a solid foundation in comprehension can not only decode words but also integrate their meanings to grasp the overall message of the text. This skill is crucial because it allows individuals to engage critically with the material, analyze concepts, and relate them to their prior knowledge and experiences.

While reading fluency, phonological awareness, and vocabulary skill all play significant roles in the reading process, they primarily contribute to the broader ability of comprehension. Fluency refers to the speed and accuracy of reading, which can enhance comprehension but does not guarantee it. Phonological awareness involves the recognition and manipulation of sounds in speech, which is foundational for reading but does not ensure understanding of text meaning. Vocabulary skill is undeniably important for comprehension, as knowing the meanings of words contributes to understanding sentences and passages. However, vocabulary alone does not encompass